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REMEMBERING 9-11

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IS IT TRUE SEPTEMBER 11, 2017

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IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Council Finance Chairman Dan McGinn (R) has been conferring with members of the Winnecke Administration and City Council concerning the total elimination of our Homestead Tax Credit starting in 2018?

IS IT TRUE that City Council Finance Chairmen Dan McGinn (R and members of the Winnecke administration are now talking about increasing the Local Option Income Tax to the maximum (an increase of 25% to the level of 1.25% of all income) allowable under State statute?

IS IT TRUE we wonder if anyone in the Winnecke Administration or members of the Evansville City Council can explain to us the rational of increasing the Local Option Income Tax and taking away our Homestead Tax Credit while spending $750,000 on Penguin exhibit art the Zoo?

IS IT TRUE last week officials of the Vanderburgh County Health Department went before the Vanderburgh County Commissioners to discuss ways to allow local restaurant owners to have air curtains, functional garage doors, separate roll down screens?

IS IT TRUE that County Commissioner Ben Shoulders (D) worked diligently on this issue during the last several months?  … he did extensive research on this issue, made phone calls to other Indiana County jurisdictions that had similar problems, met with many local business/restaurant owners in order to find a simple solution this problem?  …we would like to also give special thanks to County Commissioners Ben Shoulders for creating an ordinance that gives more flexibility to outdoor dinning?

IS IT TRUE we would also like to commend Commissioners Cheryl Musgrave and Commissioner Bruce Ungethiem for supporting an ordinance that gives more flexibility to outdoor dining?

IS IT TRUE that downtown Evansville got a glimpse of what could be Saturday night when Michigan Senatorial candidate Kid Rock came to town?…the flashy redneck rocker sold over 10,000 tickets in the Ford Center with people driving from as far away as Poplar Bluff, Missouri to hear what The Kid had to say and sing?…the show opened up with a political speech that called for a return to Christianity and a departure from identity politics?…Kid Rock could be the next Mayor of Evansville if he could just capture the votes of his fans?…this guy is made possible by the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and is an example of President Trump with flash and the brashness of youth?…the music was of course enjoyable and full of energy?…every barstool in downtown Evansville was full with a dozen people waiting for the seat hours before and hours after the show?…for the first time since the inaugural Bob Seeger concert, the Ford Center actually delivered the kind of concert that Weinzapfel’s consultants said it would on a monthly basis?…we hope to see Rush and Metallica next?

IS IT TRUE that the hacking of your Social Security numbers, especially when combined with other exposed data such as driver’s license numbers, birth dates and home addresses, can allow identity thieves to impersonate you. They can apply for loans, housing, utilities and even government benefits in your name. Or, more likely, they can sell this data on the open market to those who will use it for those purposes and perhaps for other crimes we can’t imagine?   …Its time for you to contact your financial advisors to insure that they will immediately begin to you protect your identity and hard earned money?

Todays READERS POLL question is: Do you agree with City Council Finance Chairman Dan McGinn (R) that City Council should vote to totally eliminate of our Homestead Tax Credit for 2018?
Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS” posted in our sections.
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Mesker Park Zoo Earns Prestigious AZA Accreditation

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The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“AZA accreditation signifies that Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is committed to meeting the very highest standards in the zoological profession,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “It means that Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is a proven leader in animal care and welfare and in providing educational and meaningful experiences for visitors.”

To be accredited, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in categories which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal care and welfare; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and more. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted or denied.  Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

In 2016, AZA notified Mesker Park Zoo that certain conditions or requirements of accreditation were not being met and concerns exist. The Zoo remained accredited during the tabled year and addressed the concerns noted. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke initiated and Evansville City Council voted to set aside $112,000 in 2016 and $78,000 in 2017 to correct the issues presented, and Mayor Winnecke has committed to setting aside additional funds as part of the budget process going forward.

“Zoos are more than a showcase for exotic animals and endangered species,” Mayor Winnecke said. “Accredited zoos are focused on animal conservation and research as well as providing a unique educational and recreational experience. That’s why it is important for the City of Evansville and our citizens to support Mesker with funding and through attendance at the zoo.”

“We are very pleased the AZA accreditation commission voted today to extend our accredited status, the zoo staff, the mayor and city council have really answered the call to action and accomplished a lot in a relatively short amount of time, but more importantly there is a commitment going forward to sustain this level of support. We are committed to sharing our passion and connecting visitors to our mission of providing quality experiences that promote understanding of the natural world.” said Erik Beck, Zoo Director.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

About Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

Situated on 45-acres of rolling hills on Evansville’s northwest side, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is home to hundreds of animals from around the globe. Their mission is to foster the preservation of the Earth’s diverse species and living systems through an active role in education and conservation in our regional and professional community. They forge connections between people and their natural world by providing quality experiences that promote understanding and celebrate the rich tapestry of life.

 

City Council Meeting September 11, 2017

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I. INTRODUCTION
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDA
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
V. CONSENT AGENDA: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

ORDINANCE G-2017-24

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE G-2017-25

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE G-2017-26

An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Every Appointive Officer, Employee, Deputy, Assistant, Departmental and Institutional Head of the City of Evansville and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Levee Authority for the Year 2018 and Establishing Salary Administration Procedures
McGinn
Finance Chair McGinn 9/25/2017
Russ Lloyd, Jr., City Controller

An Ordinance to Vacate Certain Public Ways or Public Places within the City of Evansville, Indiana, Commonly Known as an Alleyway Lying West of Grove Street and South Dresden Street
Brinkmeyer

Public Works Chair Weaver 9/25/2017 Maria Bulkley, Kahn, Deese, Donovan & Kahn, LLP

An Ordinance to Vacate Part of North Fourth Avenue (former Walker Street) between Blocks 110 and 111 and Part of Canal Street in Lamasco, Now Part of the City of Evansville, as per Plat thereof, Recorded in Deed Record E, Pages 372, 373 and 374 and Transcribed of Record in Plat Book B, Pages 6 and 7 and as per Corrected Plat Recorded in Deed Record G, Pages 286 and 287 and Transcribed of Record in Plat Book A, Pages 156 and 157 and Re- Transcribed of Record in Plat Book E, Pages 34 and 35, Which May Not Represent All Documents Describing Said Right of Way Brinkmeyer

Public Works Chair Weaver 9/25/2017 Bret Sermersheim, Morley

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE F-2017-17

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE F-2017-18

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE F-2017-19

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE F-2017-20

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE F-2017-21

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE R-2017-19

Petitioner: Requested Change: Representative:

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Fixing the Salaries of Elected Officials for the City of Evansville, Indiana for the Year 2018
Council as a Whole

Finance Chair McGinn 9/25/2017 Russ Lloyd, Jr., City Controller

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Appropriating Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenditures of Departments of the City Government for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2018

McGinn
Finance Chair McGinn 9/25/2017 Russ Lloyd, Jr., City Controller

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Appropriating Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenditures of Evansville-Vanderburgh Levee Authority District for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2018

McGinn
Finance Chair McGinn 9/25/2017 Russ Lloyd, Jr., City Controller

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Approving and Adopting the 2018 Budget for the Port Authority of Evansville
McGinn

Finance Chair McGinn 9/25/2017 Russ Lloyd, Jr., City Controller

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriations of Funds for Various City Funds McGinn
Finance Chair McGinn 9/25/2017
Russ Lloyd, Jr., City Controller

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 3404 N. First Avenue
Gongjun Yan Owner: Ocean Realty, LLC
CO1 to C1 Ward: 5 Elpers
Gongjun Yan

ORDINANCE R-2017-20

Petitioner: Requested Change: Representative:

ORDINANCE R-2017-21

Petitioner: Requested Change: Representative:

ORDINANCE R-2017-22

Petitioner: Requested Change: Representative:

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1714 Harmony Way
Michael L. Volkman Owner: Michael L. Volkman C1 to R1 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Michael L. Volkman

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 3008 E. 3204 Division Street
VenuWorks Owner: University of Evansville R1 to C4 Ward: 3 Weaver
Bret Sermersheim, Morley

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 3400 Lincoln Avenue
St. Vincent Hospital Owner: Evansville State Hospital R1 to C2 Ward: 3 Hayden

Brenda Owens, Sign Crafters Inc.

VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
VII. REGULAR AGENDA: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

ORDINANCE G-2017-23 AMENDED
Sponsor(s):
Discussion Led By: Notify:

ORDINANCE F-2017-16

Sponsor(s): Discussion Led By: Notify:

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.05, Article VII (Lead Poisoning) of the Evansville Municipal Code
Adams, Mercer
ASD Chair Brinkmeyer 9/11/2017

Joshua Claybourn, City Council Attorney

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Repeal and Re-appropriations within the Department of Metropolitan Development
McGinn
Finance Chair McGinn 9/11/2017
Kelley Coures, DMD

ORDINANCE R-2017-14

Petitioner: Requested Change: Representative:

ORDINANCE R-2017-15 Petitioner:

Requested Change: Representative:

ORDINANCE R-2017-17

Petitioner: Requested Change: Representative:

VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

RESOLUTION C-2017-21

Sponsor(s): Resolution Docket Notify:

RESOLUTION C-2017-22

Sponsor(s): Resolution Docket Notify:

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1425 E. Tennessee Street
Dennis Gates Owner: Dennis Gates
R2 to R3 Ward: 3 Hargis
Dennis Gates

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 105-117 N.W. Second Street and 217-223 Vine Street

City of Evansville, Redevelopment Commission
C4 to C3

Owner: Ward:

City of Evansville, Redevelopment Commission

4 Robinson Kelley Coures, Dept. of Metropolitan Development

An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 2521 N. Burkhardt Road
Kelly Salee Owner: Jay Jacobs
R1 & CO2 to CO2 Ward: 1 McGinn
Travis Johnson, United Methodist Youth Home

A Resolution Supporting an Independent Redistricting Commission for the State of Indiana
Mosby

9/11/2017 Joshua Claybourn, City Council Attorney

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Authorizing the Submittal of Blight Clearance Application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and Addressing Related Matters

McGinn
A.S.D. Chair Brinkmeyer 9/11/2017 Nick Cirignano, ZSWS

IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, September 25, 2017 at

5:30 p.m. Committee meetings will begin at 5:25 p.m.
B. TAX PHASE-IN COMPLIANCE REPORTS: Andrea Lendy, Growth Alliance C. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

X. COMMITTEEREPORTS XI. ADJOURNMENT

Ace Race Planned to Benefit UE’s Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic

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Ace Race, a 5K run benefiting Ace CARE – the University of Evansville’s pro bono physical therapy clinic – is planned for Saturday, October 14, at 9:00 a.m. on UE’s campus. The event, which is open to the public, is part of the University’s homecoming celebration.

The participation fee for the general public is $25 before October 1 or $30 after October 1. Those registering before October 1 will receive a long sleeve T-shirt. To register, go to www.uealumnionline.com/acerace2017.

The Ace CARE clinic is run by UE doctor of physical therapy and physical therapy assistant students and serves the uninsured, underinsured, and homeless in the Evansville community.

For the full schedule of UE homecoming events or more information, visit www.evansville.edu/alumni or contact alumni@evansville.edu or 812-488-2586.

The Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission meeting has been canceled

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The Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex has been cancelled.

USI outlasted by Maryville in 2OT

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The University of Southern Indiana women’s soccer team was outlasted by Maryville University in double-overtime, 2-1, Sunday afternoon in St. Louis, Missouri. USI goes to 3-2-0 overall and1-1-0 to start GLVC play, while Maryville ends the match 2-1-1 overall, 1-0-1 in the league.

After a scoreless first half, the Saints took the lead at 75:42 before the Screaming Eagles rallied to tie the match, 1-1, in the final 10 minutes of regulation. USI sophomore midfielder Courtney Spicer (Loveland, Ohio) posted her first goal of the season at 82:54 off a pass from freshman defender Madelyne Juenger (Columbia, Illinois).

The Eagles and the Saints went through the first overtime scoreless and was 2:07 into the second overtime when Maryville got the “golden goal” at 102:07 of the match. USI struggled offensively in the overtime period, not getting a shot at the Maryville goal.

USI concludes its season-opening six-match road swing next Sunday when it travels to Louisville, Kentucky, to play Bellarmine University. The Knights saw their record go to 2-0-1, 1-0-1 GLVC, after defeating Missouri University of Science & Technology, 2-0, Sunday at home.

The Eagles hope to gain ground this year versus seventh-ranked Bellarmine, trailing the all-time series, 13-6-4, after battling to a scoreless double-overtime tie last fall. The Eagles also will be fighting for their first victory over the Knights since 2004, going winless in the last 12 meetings.

Adopt A Pet

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Tyler is a 2-year-old male solid black cat. He was originally trapped as a stray near the VHS to just be neutered and released, but it turns out he was too sweet to go back outside! At some point Tyler was probably a family pet and then got dumped, because he’s also front-declawed.  He’s ready to go home TODAY neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated for only $50. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or visit www.vhslifesaver.org for details!